Zaha Honoured, Fabio Down: Loan Watch

Wilfried Zaha was named the Championship Player of the Year at the PFA Awards on Sunday evening, capping a fine campaign for the Crystal Palace and Manchester United-bound forward.

The 20-year-old, who will swap Selhurst Park for Old Trafford this summer, was recognized by his peers at the glitzy bash after scoring six goals in 45 appearances for Ian Holloway’s promotion-chasing side, who drew 1-1 with Blackburn at the weekend.

Impressively, Zaha was also named in the Team of the Year and in a recent interview with The Sun, he spoke for the first time about his forthcoming move to United, explaining why he’s looking forward to joining the champions.

“I am just anxious and excited,” Wilfried revealed. “I cannot wait. It will be something different. When I walk into that dressing room at United, I do not know what I will feel. I will keep my head down as I am there to play football.

“But I have to admit I will be a bit starstruck. Robin van Persie and Ryan Giggs will be in there – wow. Wayne Rooney will be in there too – amazing. How can I not be looking forward to this? I have to be patient. I do not expect to walk in and play week-in week-out. Once I get the chance I will take it.”

Elsewhere, Fabio endured a disappointing weekend as QPR were relegated from the Barclays Premier League following a goalless draw with Reading, who have also lost their top-flight status. The Brazilian was a 73rd minute replacement for Jose Bosingwa and was booked.

Unfortunately, Angelo Henriquez didn’t see any action as he was left on the bench for Wigan Athletic’s extremely credible 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the DW Stadium. In total, the Chilean has made six appearances, two from the start, scoring one goal since joining on loan.

Back in the Championship, Michael Keane played another full match for Leicester City as they lost 2-1 to Watford at the King Power Stadium, denting the Foxes’ hopes of securing a play-off position with just one game left to play.

Reece Brown did not feature as Ipswich Town retained their Championship status with a well-earned 3-1 win over Birmingham, leaving them in the seemingly respectable 11th position but incredibly, just six points above the drop zone.
In League One, Sam Johnstone played his last match for Walsall as they lost 2-0 to Crewe, whose starting team was made up entirely of academy graduates. The Reds keeper has impressed for the Saddlers, playing seven full matches since signing on loan.

Over in Germany, Kiko Macheda made yet another substitute appearance as his temporary side Stuttgart lost 3-0 to Augsburg, leaving them in 12th place in the Bundesliga. Elsewhere on the continent, Bebe played 45 minutes as Rio Ave beat Beira-Mar in Portugal.